New Democrat MP Peter Julian launches leadership bid

OTTAWA — The race to replace Tom Mulcair kicked off Sunday, with a British Columbia MP becoming the first to officially announce his candidacy for the federal NDP leadership.

Peter Julian made the announcement at a theatre in his riding of New Westminster, B.C.

"My vision is for a country where everyone matters and no one is left behind," he told supporters.

Julian, who was first elected to Parliament in 2004, said Canadians need a government that prioritizes inclusivity, clean energy, and education for all.

He promised to get rid of tuition fees at post-secondary institutions, create new jobs, and oppose pipeline projects like Kinder Morgan's Trans Mountain pipeline expansion and the Keystone XL pipeline.

The NDP will chose a new leader in October and while Julian is the first to declare his candidacy, several others have expressed interest in running.

Quebec MP Guy Caron announced earlier Sunday that he is stepping aside as the party's finance critic to consider a leadership bid.